CSCS: Council of Senior Centers and Services of NYC, Inc.

The Queens Courier

Monday, March 28, 2011

Publication & Publisher: The Queens Courier

Seniors throughout Queens held rallies and protests hoping to prevent their centers’ closure. Last night, their fight was rewarded.

The New York state budget was approved last night providing funding that will prevent the closure of senior centers throughout the city.

A planned $25 million cut in Title XX funding would have caused 105 senior centers, 22 of which were in Queens to shut their doors.

The budget which sought to close a $10 billion deficit was able to cut money in other places saving the centers.

“I am delighted to report that full funding is included for New York City senior centers,” said Assemblymember Margaret Markey. “Very difficult choices had to be made to close a $10 billion deficit, but we convinced Governor Cuomo to add restorations to the senior center funding.”

Up to 10,000 seniors would have been affected by the closures.

The budget is expected to be voted on and finalized before the April 1 deadline.